Ottawa – On behalf of Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, formally announced the relocation of the Terry Fox Memorial Sculpture. Representatives of the families of Terry Fox and artist John Hooper were also in attendance.
The Terry Fox Memorial Sculpture has been a feature of Ottawa’s downtown landscape since its installation in 1983. The iconic artwork was created by renowned Canadian artist John Hooper and now sits on Sparks Street, along the path of Fox’s 1980 Marathon of Hope, where it will continue to inspire generations to come. Rich in historical significance, the new location is on the route that Terry Fox ran during the Ottawa portion of his Marathon of Hope on Canada Day in 1980.
The sculpture was relocated to accommodate construction for the Block 2 portion of the Parliamentary Precinct rehabilitation project. In June 2024, a team of experts from Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) completed the relocation of the sculpture to its new home. This historic location will help enrich the visitor experience at the Sparks Street Pedestrian Mall.
PSPC remains committed to working in partnership with the City of Ottawa to renew the Parliamentary Precinct in a way that works for the City, Ottawa residents, and the people who work in the area.
“Few people have had the ability to inspire the hearts and minds of Canadians like Terry Fox. We are pleased to mark the relocation of the Terry Fox Memorial Sculpture to its new historic location on the route that Terry Fox ran in 1980, where it will be appreciated for years to come. Decades after his Marathon of Hope, Terry Fox’s legacy continues to grow. Today’s event helps us to once again honour this Canadian hero and his remarkable contribution to our collective history.” – Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement
“Terry Fox is a hero to many Canadians, including me. This iconic sculpture celebrates the resiliency and dedication that has earned Terry Fox respect across Canada and around the world. We are proud to have this important reminder in the heart of our nation’s capital where Canadians and visitors alike can remember and help carry on his marathon of hope.” – Yasir Naqvi, MP for Ottawa Centre